The Court of the Queen
The Court of the Queen is the bureaucracy which supports the royal family. The Court is loyal, first and foremost, to the Rightful Queen.
Officers of the Court hold noble rank, and include the wardens, sheriffs and lord sheriffs who keep the Queen's peace across the country. All offices of the court are held by royal grant, and technically at royal sufferance, although in practice many of them are effectively hereditary. The Court's work is supported by the Queen's Riders. Each Rider earns their place in the order through service and attainment, although children of court officers have an easier time finding a place as squire to an existing knight.
Wardens of the Court are legal officers responsible for holding regular civil and criminal trials within a barony. Although they own no land and hold only a single estate by royal grant, they are granted the title and styles of a baron, and specifically outrank their local baron in the order of precedence. They are the final word within their barony on all legal matters. Sheriffs perform a similar role, but each shadowing (and outranking) one of the seven earls of the Queendom. Lord Sheriffs hold the title of duke, but outrank all nobles, clergy and diplomats of the Queendom. In addition to acting as chief magistrate and jurist for their duchy, Lord Sheriffs hear appeals from the baronial and shire courts. Only the Queen may overrule a Lord Sheriff's decision in court.
Comments